Chargers exploring Keenan Allen reunion but last WR comeback flopped fast

The last attempt by the Los Angeles Chargers to bring a franchise favorite home again didn't fare so well, so fans might want to tap the brakes on getting too excited.

In case you missed the latest rumors, former Chargers wideout Keenan Allen is visiting with the franchise that drafted him. According to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero, there's "mutual interest" in a potential reunion for the 2025 season.

For Chargers fans, the return of Allen could be a nice way to see such an esteemed wide receiver and a franchise legend end his career. He's already the team's all-time receiving leader among wideouts with 10,530 yards (besting Lance Alworth and Charlie Joiner but behind Antonio Gates overall). He's third all-time in receiving touchdowns in Chargers history as well.

If this homecoming happens, the Chargers are going to hope fare better than last time.

While the move would provide a notable homecoming for Allen, the Chargers have already been around this block once before in the last month. Former Chargers wideout Mike Williams was also brought back this offseason after a single year away. Yet he started training camp on the Physically Unable to Play list, and instead of trying to move beyond it, Williams called it a career instead.

The Chargers have moved on from losing Williams, as they must, and it was nice to see KeAndre Lambert-Smith put up a nice effort in the team's first preseason game. But the Chargers are also interested in some proven help at a very young position that's going to lean on rookies like Lambert-Smith and second-round choice Tre Harris early on.

Last year, the Chargers decided to trade Allen to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick, forcing the veteran wide receiver to play his first season away from Southern California. He responded with 70 catches for 744 yards and 7 touchdowns in the Windy City. Allen has reportedly been amenable to a return to Chicago or Los Angeles (including the Rams), but has little use for other destinations at this point in his NFL career.

Maybe a return home will reinvigorate Allen and help the Chargers offense take a bigger step forward. It's more likely that his presence would help bring along younger players by offering a storied voice who has seen it all at the NFL level. It's a signing that makes sense, but so did Mike Williams. We'll see how this one ends up, should Allen land in L.A. once again.